Amendment 2 - Nations UDO & Traffic Impact

This discussion topic was requested by Council Member Thom Druffel regarding a proposed amendment to Ordinance No. BL2025-830.

From CM Druffel:

A comprehensive Traffic Analysis and Plan is essential to fully understand the cumulative effects of the proposed Nation's UDO on local traffic. The current Planning Staff Report only provides a summary identification of roads connecting to arterials, without delving into projected trip volumes or route-specific impacts. It's important to note that Charlotte Avenue is one of just two major corridors entering Nashville from the west, and it is already under considerable strain, with over 1,800 new residential units in development within the Nations—even before accounting for further density and traffic introduced by the UDO.

Nashville is already grappling with significant traffic congestion, having surged from 44th to 11th in national rankings and now ranking 27th worldwide. This rapid climb underscores the growing strain on our roadways and its tangible effects on the quality of life. While infrastructure enhancements are planned—including WEGO improvements and traffic signal synchronization—critical corridors such as Harding and Charlotte continue to operate over capacity. The city’s western approach is funneled through two main arteries: Charlotte Avenue, which serves traffic from River Road, Ashland City, and Bellevue; and Harding/Highway 70, accommodating West Nashville, Fairview, Bellevue, and other rapidly growing communities.

Harding is often in gridlock between White Bridge and 440, which serves three major hospitals. Three upcoming projects will add more than 1,500 residential units and commercial spaces at the White Bridge/Harding Intersection.

Charlotte Avenue faces its own challenges, with portions limited to a single lane and the prospect of increased residential density in the Nations threatening to further degrade traffic flow along this vital route into downtown. A comprehensive traffic study has not been conducted in connection with the current UDO, raising concerns that phased implementation may overlook the cumulative impacts on congestion.

The Housing and Infrastructure Report acknowledges an opportunity to synchronize development with future high-capacity transit corridors, but existing limitations persist—especially for Charlotte Avenue, which is geographically constrained by the I-40 freeway. Community feedback as noted in the Housing & Infrastructure Study highlights the urgent need for adequate infrastructure to accompany growth. These traffic and accessibility challenges extend far beyond District 20, affecting everyone living west of the Nations and underscoring the citywide importance of holistic, data-driven transportation planning.

Thanks,
Thom Druffel
Council Member, District 23